TODAY, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the eyes and ears of the world will be on Normandy.

But for many, thoughts and prayers will be focused much closer to home.

Heads of states from 17 nations, including the Queen and US President Barack Obama, will gather for an international ceremony at Sword Beach, the easternmost of the five landing sites, while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend a commemoration of the landings at Gold Beach, Arromanches.

This, though, is not an occasion on which we should concentrate on the comings and goings of the high and the mighty. This is a day for dwelling on the deeds of veterans such as Scot Jock Hutton, who yesterday took part in a parachute jump just outside Rainville, mirroring his brave actions of seven decades ago.

There may not be many high-profile occasions left in which we can pay personal tribute to Mr Hutton and his ilk - the Normandy Veterans' Association now has a membership of just 600. As the sun goes down tonight, however, on an Edinburgh Castle bathed in purple lighting, we shall remember Scotland's sacrifice. Not just today, but for generations to come.